It does not take a math whiz to understand that the additions of Matt Thomas and Abdel Nader to the active ISU roster will equal a markedly improved team.

However impactful the return of the two ISU absentees proves to be, Iowa State is counting found money. No matter what, it adds up to more than the Cyclones had before.

The reinstatement of Thomas and Nader, who each served three game suspensions for drunk driving arrests, comes at a convenient time for Iowa State as it travels to Kansas City, Mo. to battle Alabama on Nov. 24.

The ISU starting five has scored 165 of the team’s 174 points over the course of two victories to open the season.

The lack of an offensive presence from the bench is a glaring weakness as the Cyclones stare down the first major-conference opponent on their schedule. It is a weakness that ISU coach Fred Hoiberg is now happy to say he is equipped to address.

“I am excited to see those two guys out there. They are two of our better shooters,” Hoiberg said. “I know our guys are excited to have them back, and I am as well.”

Thomas played more than 21 minutes per game in his freshman campaign at Iowa State, averaging 5.5 points per contest as well as just over two rebounds and one assist per outing.

He will serve as an option not only to lighten the burden of minutes that has been heaped on the ISU back court during the first two games of the season, but said he also plans to administer an injection of offense into the lineup when he rises off of the pine.

“My role will be off the bench initially,” Thomas said. “I am going to come in and score points.”

Nader, who transferred from Northern Illinois a year ago, has yet to play an official game for the Cyclones due to NCAA regulations that forced him to the sidelines for the entirety of the 2013-14 season.

During his one year at Northern Illinois, Nader led the team in scoring with 13.5 points per game to compliment his activity on the glass, where he pulled down more than 5.5 rebounds per night.

Along with offensive versatility that includes a jump shot, a 3-point stroke, an off-the-dribble game and a 230 pound frame, Nader brings length and athleticism to Iowa State’s perimeter defense, while still being able to guard front court players on the block if called upon.

Nader said he is willing to do anything that is asked of him out of respect for Hoiberg, who recruited him to Iowa State, then afforded him a second chance after Nader’s judgment erred.

“You have got your back against the wall,” Nader said. “This is really your last shot. It is all or nothing right here, so guys [like myself]…they get their lives on track.”

Thomas had a similar revelation that he said provided clarity to his priorities.

He took responsibility for his actions and apologized publicly via Twitter the day following the incident. In his apology, Thomas cited those he had let down, from friends and family to teammates and coaches, to finally, the fans.

“It is definitely unfortunate that I had to [sit out], but I made a bad mistake and it is just part of the process,” Thomas said.

Hoiberg stood by his players when he spoke on the topic at Iowa State’s media day in October, saying he noticed behavioral changes in both men in the immediate aftermath of their separate arrests.

“Since that time, I have been very proud of how both of those guys have conducted themselves,” Hoiberg said.

Iowa State also caught a break with a week off in between contests.

The hiatus has allowed for ample time to help reintegrate Thomas and Nader into the team’s offensive and defensive schemes, as well as re-acclimate them to playing with the starters.

Thomas said that the excitement both he and Nader feel to get back on the court is almost palpable.

“We just can’t wait to get going for real,” Thomas said.